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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Tester I in California is $52,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Software Tester I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Tester I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $59,380 | $4,948 | $1,142 | $29 |
| Average | $52,750 | $4,396 | $1,014 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,410 | $3,868 | $893 | $22 |
Govcio LLC - FOREST HEIGHTS, MD
Encompass Health - CHERRY HILLS, CO
Encompass Health - CASTLEWOOD, CO
Encompass Health - HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO
A Software Tester I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Tester I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Tester I | 0-1 years | $52,745 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist II | 1-3 years | $59,825 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist III | 3-5 years | $71,363 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist IV | 5-7 years | $80,195 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 7+ years | $133,022 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Software Tester Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Software Tester I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,051. While startup companies pay approximate $49,955.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $49,955 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $52,834 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $57,024 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $59,051 |
For Software Tester I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Tester positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Tester I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $63,300 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $60,662 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $58,025 | $28.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $58,025 | $28.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $58,025 | $28.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Software Tester I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $59,380 | $4,948 | $1,142 | $29 |
| Average | $52,750 | $4,396 | $1,014 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,410 | $3,868 | $893 | $22 |
For a Software Tester I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Testing Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $59,900 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Tester I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Encompass Health
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO
Encompass Health | CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO
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ENGLEWOOD, CO
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Encompass Health Littleton Rehabilitation is seeking dedicated Registered Nurses (RN) to join our night shift team. This role is pivotal in delivering expe... more
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COLUMBINE VALLEY, CO
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Encompass Health Corporation is seeking dedicated Night Shift Registered Nurses (RNs) to join our compassionate teams in providing exceptional care at our ... more
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L3Harris Technologies
FOREST HEIGHTS, MD
L3Harris Technologies | FOREST HEIGHTS, MD
L3Harris Technologies currently has an opening for a User Acceptance Tester with expertise in Test and Integration for an important National Security Progr... more
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ManTech International
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
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